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Ideas

Dig2006Dig2006 Posts: 51
in Plants
I have a section of garden without grass where I would like to grow something with sprawling open branches, like you sometimes see in woodlands.  I guess a bit like some rhododendrons. They are an option though dont love the flowers and Im told you need acidic soil.  But any plant that will spread and where you can see the branches rather than some really thick bush.  I don't know names of many plants so thought Id ask for some ideas! Thank you.
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Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 21,332
    Betula Pendula Silver Birch are very nice. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 175
    Could you give an idea of the size of the space you wish to plant in and whether you are wishing to create a woodland area with several trees or just one? Also, are you prepared to wait for the trees (or maybe shrubs) to get bigger, or are you trying to plant more mature sized specimens?

    Also, you mention something that spreads, but are you talking about a shrub or tree that gets wider more than tall?

    Would you be thinking of evergreen or deciduous?

    What is your space composed of now?

    I don't necessarily have any answers, but it would help to have a bit more info to go on.  :)
    Where the Wild Things Are
     ...that is where I would prefer to be...
    COASTAL SOUTHERN ENGLAND...silty-sandy-loam ravaged by wind
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 175
    If in doubt, you could look up Amelanchier - several varieties and they don't tend to block out the light, if you are after an 'airy' feel....  :)
    Where the Wild Things Are
     ...that is where I would prefer to be...
    COASTAL SOUTHERN ENGLAND...silty-sandy-loam ravaged by wind
  • Dig2006Dig2006 Posts: 51
    clematisdorset said:
    If in doubt, you could look up Amelanchier - several varieties and they don't tend to block out the light, if you are after an 'airy' feel....  :)
    Thank you we have actually bought one this weekend.  So the garden is grassed and over team we wil add shrubs and trees. Got some raised beds also.  But the bit I was after some ideas around is at the bottom of the garden there is no grass for the full width, for the last few metres of the garden.  I would like to keep this soil but have a woodland type plant, that yes has height but that sprawls.  Something quite open where you can see the branches. Width is about 8m.
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 175
    Enjoy your Amelanchier! I have one for the first time and am hoping it will be one of the first trees in my garden to show buds and flowers. Not yet, unfortunately and I am feeling a bit impatient after the horrible wintry weather etc. The weather has been ok these last few days though, so mustn't grumble!

    Well  in terms of your original query, maybe it is worth looking at Acer Palmatum (several varieties and branches quite visible as leaves have a sort of silky look). What about Cornus Controversa - it grows with branches quite wide and in tiers  - quite unusual and could light up darky woodland areas. Euonymus Alatus can have reddish leaves  (more so if grown in a sunny spot) in autumn with many branches. Magnolia x soulangeana definitely has a wide-spreading look and is much-loved by many. Corylus avellana 'Contorta' has interesting, twisting branches. I wish I had space for these, particularly the magnolia.

    These are a few trees/shrubs that sprang to my mind as being structurally interesting, generally speaking and without knowing too much about your exact conditions.  If you have a damp site, hydrangeas might fit the bill for instance. Don't forget to check how shady/light your planting area will be and the moisture levels, etc plus how sheltered or exposed.

    Think of all that oxygen in your garden - it will be so worth doing planting!
    Where the Wild Things Are
     ...that is where I would prefer to be...
    COASTAL SOUTHERN ENGLAND...silty-sandy-loam ravaged by wind
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,155
    This is where info is important. What's the reason for there being no grass?
    If it's shady because of other factors - ie houses, fences, trees etc, that has an effect on what you plant. The type of shade also matters - dry or wet? What you plant will also have an effect on the rest of the area you want to plant into, so you'll need to take that into account later.  
    If you have a photo or two, that will help, and also your rough location. What grows in a mild, dry part of the country won't necessarily do well in a cold, wet part. 
    Hawthorn would work, almost anywhere, but we need more accurate info about your site.  :)

    PS-  Rhodos with open sprawling branches are usually ones which are struggling for some reason, and the ones in woodland are often the highly invasive R ponticum rather than cultivated types.  They also don't need acid soil - neutral is fine. It's alkaline soil that isn't suitable for the majority of them   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 868
    How about Solanum Crispum, the Chilean potato vine?
    I have one in a sunny area, left to sprawl and it is glorious in full flower. I wouldn't call it a vine, despite the name.
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/97176/solanum-crispum-glasnevin/details
    Sunny Dundee
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 3,523
    edited 20 March
     How about one of the dark leaved Sambucus. You can prune it fairly hard for bigger leaves, or just let it grow for the pink flowers and berries  There are various forms not suitable if your soil is very wet in my opinion.
    RETIRED GARDENER, LIVES IN SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL CLAY.

    'Tis sweet to visit the still wood,where springs. The first flower of the plain. Longfellow.
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 175
    Beehappyplants.co.uk has some good ideas for plants for pollinators, by the way!
    Where the Wild Things Are
     ...that is where I would prefer to be...
    COASTAL SOUTHERN ENGLAND...silty-sandy-loam ravaged by wind
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 175
    Sorry wrong thread!!! Oops please ignore by above post! 
    Where the Wild Things Are
     ...that is where I would prefer to be...
    COASTAL SOUTHERN ENGLAND...silty-sandy-loam ravaged by wind
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